Gov Bassey Otu, left and Ben Ayade

As the political landscape in Cross River continues to evolve, the legacy of the 2022 primaries remains a focal point of contention. For many, the conclusion is clear: former governor Ben Ayade’s current political isolation is a self-inflicted albatross, the result of choices made at a critical turning point for the APC, notably in 2022

Emerging details and insider accounts from the 2022 All Progressives Congress, APC presidential primaries  attributed  the ongoing friction between the  former governor  and current Governor Bassey Otu to the scandalous behaviour of the former in his last days as governor.

In explicit details, APC Chieftain and Public Affairs Analyst, Ekpenyong Nsa accused Ben Ayade of alleged  financial sabotage, strategic betrayal, and the deliberate undermining of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interests in the State forming  the primary reasons for APC's  sub-optimal performance in Cross River during the 2023 General Elections

Nsa quoted ​sources within the party which predicted that Ayade, aware that his own presidential bid lacked the necessary national momentum to secure the ticket, pivoted his strategy toward financial gain.  The sources alleged that the former governor entered into negotiations with multiple front-line aspirants, falsely promising to step down in their favor in exchange for significant financial considerations.

​Furthermore, reports indicate that the Cross River State delegate block was allegedly shortchanged. While substantial funds were reportedly released to secure delegate loyalty, Ayade is accused of retaining the lion's share of these resources, distributing only a "paltry sum" to the delegates themselves. In a move seen as a direct affront to the Tinubu camp, Ayade reportedly urged delegates to ignore "deep-pocket" candidates—a thinly veiled reference to Tinubu—and vote for him (Ayade) based on "intellect," a strategy analysts now describe as a calculated attempt to fracture Tinubu’s support base

​The allegations extend beyond the primaries into the General Elections cycle. It is alleged that campaign funds provided by the APC national leadership for mobilization within Cross River State were diverted. Specifically, claims have surfaced that Ayade donated a portion of these presidential campaign resources to an opposition candidate. This action was reportedly motivated by a belief that the late former President supported a candidate other than Tinubu, leading to what party insiders describe as "active financial sabotage."

​Political observers argue that this internal friction was the direct catalyst for President Tinubu’s loss in Cross River State. Despite a nationwide mandate, the withholding of resources and the alleged diversion of funds to rivals ensured that the State did not deliver for the APC at the presidential level.

​The narrative of Ayade’s declining political influence was cemented by his defeat in the 2023 North Senatorial District election. Despite holding the incumbency as a sitting governor, Ayade lost to Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe—a defeat described as a resounding rejection by his home constituency.

​In the wake of this loss, Ayade has been accused of deflecting responsibility by targeting the current Governor, Bassey Otu, and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Critics argue that Ayade’s attempts to frame his defeat as a conspiracy involving Otu and Akpabio are a "classic deflection," insisting that the former governor acted alone and must take ownership of his political record.

​The consensus among several APC stakeholders in the State is that Ayade’s actions have rendered him a political liability. The list of grievances against him—defrauding fellow aspirants, the alleged theft of campaign funds, and working against the party’s interests—has created a significant trust deficit.

​"Any President looking at these facts would conclude that Ayade is a liability, not an ally," noted a high-ranking party official. He added that Governor Otu, who has been in office for less than three years, is credited by supporters with achieving milestones that remained elusive during Ayade’s eight-year tenure. 



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